How Does the Concentration Ratio of Nitrogen to Hydrogen Change with Altitude?

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SUMMARY

The concentration ratio of nitrogen to hydrogen changes with altitude due to variations in pressure, as described by the equation P = P0e-hMg/RT. The discussion highlights the application of Dalton's Law to understand the behavior of two different gases in the atmosphere. The initial ratio of gases is denoted as n0, and the calculations involve parameters such as molar mass (M), density (ρ), and temperature (T). The forum participants confirm that Dalton's Law is essential for solving the problem presented in the Irodov book.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures
  • Familiarity with the Ideal Gas Law
  • Knowledge of atmospheric pressure variations with altitude
  • Basic concepts of molar mass and density
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  • Explore the relationship between altitude and atmospheric pressure
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Students and professionals in atmospheric science, physicists studying gas behavior, and anyone interested in the principles of gas mixtures and their variations with altitude.

jaumzaum
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I was trying to solve a problem from Irodov book that asked how the concentration ratio of nytrogen and hydrogen varies with the altitude (initial ratio = n0), considering the temperature to be constant.

If there was only one gas,

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/664/77110068.png

dP = -dm g/A
dP = -dV ρ g/A
dP = -dh ρ g
dP = -dh PMg/RT
dP/P = -Mg/RT dh
P = P0e-hMg/RT

Where:
P0 is initial pressure
M is molar mass
ρ is density

But how would it work for 2 different gases?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Dalton's Law? Could it be that simple?
 
haruspex said:
Dalton's Law? Could it be that simple?


Thanks haruspex, I had completely forgot the Dalton's Law :'(
Don't know where my head was
 

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